Ralph Plumb, regarded as Streator’s founding father, came to Streator in 1866 after volunteering in the Civil War in support of the U.S. Government and the cause of Union and Liberty, service that earned him the rank and title of Colonel. He became a notable politician, businessman, patriot, and humanitarian, unanimously elected in 1882 as Streator’s first mayor and later elected to three terms in the U.S. Congress for Illinois’s 8th District. He founded and led the city’s first bank, Streator National, and the Vermilion Coal Company; helped establish the railroad system, Streator Brick, and the Drain Tile Co.; and built the Plumb Hotel and Plumb Opera House. Through his efforts, many area churches, St. Mary’s Hospital, Streator’s Andrew Carnegie Library, the City Park, and Marilla Park were established. His most remarkable civic gift was donating Streator High School to the community after purchasing the land and building and furnishing the school with his own funds.